G'ville City Council adjusts Right of Way rules

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville City Council finished 2012 Thursday morning with a called meeting to give final approval to a state mandated ordinance amendment on use of right of ways.

Financial Services Manager Beverly Williams told Council the amendment is required to replace existing telecommunications franchise agreements which expire next Monday, New Year's Eve; Williams said the amendment affects only one vendor, Bellsouth.

It allows the city payment under the state rate, capped at three percent; the city was charging four percent and it means an annual loss of about $30,000 in revenue according to Mayor Danny Dunagan.

Williams added the amendment also authorizes the city to require re-location, insurance requirements and levy a penalty if someone is working on a city street without approval, which must be granted by the city manager.

Mayor Dunagan was optimistic' about the incoming new year as he wrapped up Council's last meeting. Dunagan said he hopes 2013 is going to be a better year but is uncertain about the effect on the city if Washington cannot work out a compromise to avoid the budgetary 'fiscal cliff'.

The Mayor added the city's traffic study begins next year and said he's looking forward to seeing more development in 2013.